Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Retinal Gene Therapy

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kapetanovic Group within the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Retinal Gene Therapy. The role focuses on translating genetic therapies for inherited retinal diseases, developing AAV-based approaches, and generating data to support preclinical development.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in biomedical sciences or related field, have experience with retinal gene therapies or viral vectors, and

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil in biomedical sciences or related field.
• Experience with retinal gene therapies and viral vectors desirable.
• Strong publication record and ability to work across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead translational gene therapy project activities and data generation.
• Develop AAV-based therapies for inherited retinal diseases.
• Generate in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept data for preclinical development.
• Provide guidance to postdocs, researchers and students within milestone-driven program.

Skills

Viral vector engineering

Electrophysiology

In vivo models

Education

PhD/DPhil in biomedical sciences

Job description

UK date and time: 30-September-2026 15:15

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Retinal Gene Therapy

Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU

Applicants are invited to apply for a for a postdoctoral research assistant vacancy within the Kapetanovic Group reporting to the PI, Professor Jasmina Kapetanovic, Associate Professor at the University of Oxford and Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at the Oxford Eye Hospital.

Over the past decade, Professor Kapetanovic has been at the forefront of basic science and translational medical research into novel clinical treatments for incurable retinal diseases. The main objectives of Professor Kapetanovic’s research programmes are the:

• Discovery and development of new genetic therapies for retinal diseases.
• Investigation of innovative ocular surgical techniques including robotic eye surgery.
• Testing of novel therapies for retinal diseases in human clinical trials.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research assistant to join our translational gene therapy program, developing novel adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy treatments for inherited retinal disease (IRD). The successful candidate will generate translational research data required to support the preclinical development of new treatments including in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept efficacy data. This is an opportunity to work across multiple disciplines spanning retinal biology, viral vector technology and translational medicine in a milestone-driven research environment that bridges early discovery and clinical application. We are looking for a highly qualified individual with outstanding academic credentials, who can work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks in a milestone-orientated research environment.

The candidate should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in biomedical sciences or a related field. Prior experience in the development of retinal gene therapies, including viral vector engineering and electrophysiological, functional and behavioural assays, is highly desirable. A background in retinal research and previous work with in vitro and in vivo models of genetic eye diseases would be advantageous.

The post holder is a member of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research for a discrete area of a large project. The post holder provides guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including postdocs, research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students.

This post is full time and fixed term for 12 months in the first instance.

Only applications received before midday 12:00 on Monday 19th October 2026 will be considered.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.